Easter At The Quarter

Really can't believe it but it has taken nearly a year to visit the newly opened ruins of Reading Abbey, or Abbey Quarter as it is officially known. With money from the Heritage Lottery Fund, I understand, the ruins of this once great structure have been stabilised, now permitting visitors unhindered access.

On my way back to the car from my annual opticians appointment I allowed myself chance to explore and snap a few shots. The sky was somewhat overcast and moody but I think it fair to say the Abbey doesn't look too bad. If you look closely at some of the below pictures, you might also get a glimpse of some of the more modern buildings and of the famous Victorian era Reading Prison. Oscar might be proud it still stands LOL.

Close One

Something of a milestone today: gave my son his first electric shaver. Not too sure he was that impressed but it's part and parcel of growing up. One thing is sure, he'll be in need of it before too long.

Early Bird

6.30 this fine morning, no worms seen never mind caught LOL...

First Men In The Moon

Not quite a foreign coin...

The Channel Island of Alderney has issued this lovely silver proof one pound to mark 50 years since mankind took that giant leap and set foot on our moon. Notice the Channel Island mints still issue round one pound coins. Like Scotland and Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands issue their own coinage and notes, which are pegged to Sterling at a rate of 1:1. These notes and coins are legal tender throughout the British Isles but many shops here on the mainland will refuse to accept them. Banks will happily exchange them. Oddly though, our friends in the Channel Islands have absolutely no problems whatsoever accepting cash from the mainland LOL.

I've included an image with a current pound from the Royal Mint for comparison.

Norbert

Home improvement, Hungarian style LOL.

Don't Tell A Soul

You really can't make this sort of stuff up LOL!

In fairness this is now a tourist attraction and visitor centre in darkest Brentwood, Essex.

Odd Sox

For World Downs Syndrome Day.

It's A Date!

Judging by the expiry date on these, there's not a hope in hell of them seeing Easter! Oh and the fact Hot Cross Buns are too yummy to leave alone LOL.

Two Faced!

No not a rant about people with double standards. Honest.

Having travelled the best part of 12000 miles, this lovely little coin is now in my grubby little mits LOL. Yes your eyes do not deceive, this is a double headed AU $1 coin, limited edition silver proof naturally. To celebrate the latest rendering of Her Majesty on their coinage, the Royal Australian Mint have released this stunning piece showcasing the new portrait and its predecessor.

Simply fabulous, isn't it? I know one side looks bigger than the other; that's down to the buffoon taking the pictures!

Edit: how apt this should arrive from so far away on Commonwealth Day. 70 years strong today!

Happy Days

Not quite new material from the lovely Kate Bush but perhaps the next best thing...

Lovely Jubbly

A mid-week trip out from work to That London to take in current top musical Only Fools and Horses, based on the David Jason starring BBC sitcom. We even managed to see a few of the sights and also some culture with a visit to The National Gallery, before lunch in a traditional Capitol pub. Enjoy a few choice images of our day playing tourists.

Gastro!

Now I've seen it all: toasted bagel topped with sliced pork pie!